Divje Jezero


Useful Information

karst spring with faulted limestones above.
the green water of the spring.
Location: South of Idrija.
From Idrija south on road to Godovic. Turn right at turnoff to Idrijska Bela, across a bridge into a narrow gorge. Parking after a few hundred meters. Signposted.
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Open: no restrictions.
[2023]
Fee: free.
[2023]
Classification: KarstKarst Spring KarstVauclusian Spring
Light: n/a
Dimension: L=160 m, VR=124 m, A=320 m asl, T=7-10 °C.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:
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As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1957 explored by Idrijca divers.
1962-1972 explored by Idrijca divers.
1967 declared a Natural Monument.
1972 trails built.
1980-1982 explored by Idrijca divers.
1993 part of the Zgornja Idrijca landscape park.
1995 divers reach a depth of 124 m.

Description

Divje Jezero (Wild Lake) is a huge deep blue karst spring, the emergence of the Jezernica river, which flows after only 50 m into the Idijca river. The spring is a collapse doline, the end of a cave system which drains the mountains to the south. The cave below the lake goes down rather steep. It is explored for 160 m, going down 83 m deep. The big depth is an enormous problem for human divers and so exploration has come to an end.

The cave was formed along a tectonic fault, which is visible in the rock face behind the spring. But this is not only a geologic site. The flora and fauna around the spring is exceptional and protected. There are also Olms (Proteus anguinus) living in the cave, which are sometimes transported out by floods. At normal times the fresh water is full of trout.

The lake is a famous tourist destination, although it is off the major tourist routes. It is primarly visited by Solwenian tourists. The spring is only a few meters from the road and the parking lot. Trails on both sides of the Jezernica lead to the spring and around. The trail is very bad in places, but it is possible to reach the lake without problems. For a complete round trip we recommend good shoes.